Science

Our department teaches Biology, Chemistry and Physics separately, using a variety of teaching styles and a well structured, differentiated curriculum.  We strive to maximise every students learning potential through flexibility in the delivery method of material and a hands-on approach wherever possible.  The use of guest speakers, trips out and our beautiful environment is taken advantage of as often as we can.

YEAR 9

Complete their Key Stage 3 course by the Easter Holidays, through a series of Units, Assessment Tasks and Investigations.  A new Booster Course is being planned for the Summer Term to engage students and cement their skills and knowledge to date, ready for Key Stage 4.

YEAR 10

Generally take a GCSE in Science or, proposed from this year, an Entry Level Certificate in Science.
The GCSE course is modular and exams are taken in November, March and June.  Grades from these contribute to an overall grade for one single GCSE received in August.  Exams can be retaken to improve the grade where appropriate.
The Entry Level Certificate is perfect for students not requiring a GCSE in Science for any further education and who may benefit from a less pressured, non-exam based course.  All examination is internal and the pace will be student led.  Consultation with parents would take place if it was felt that this course would be more suitable for a child than GCSE.

YEAR 11

Generally take a second Additional GCSE in Science that builds on knowledge acquired in the first year.  The course is the same in structure to that taken in Year 10 and an overall grade for this second GCSE is received in August.
Continuation of Entry Level is the second option.
Consequently the majority of Year 11 leave with 2 GCSE's in Science and some leave with an Entry Level Certificate.

Our department works closely with each student to help them to achieve their potential.  KS4 students are issued a Target Grade that reflects the grade that we feel they COULD achieve.... this can be amended if necessary but aims to motivate!  All students are provided with relevant, engaging and suitable course material and the level at which they perform is constantly yet discreetly monitored and shared with each student.
We teach in 3 specialised Labs - 1 of which stands by a pond in the old Manor Kitchen Garden - at the Senior School and 1 Lab at the Prep site.
We have 5 full time teaching members of staff in our Department and a Lab Technician.

Shapwick's dyslexic students do not find science more difficult than students in mainstream schools; any challenges in lteracy and numeracy are usually overcome by using lots of pictures and models and other kinaesthetic methods to describe scientific processes, and by giving students lots of opportunities to practice their scientific skills through small, relaxed classes.